Crazy story!

[Blk_Amish]

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

You must be hurting with all the free cruise Princess has been giving away. Forgive me, with all the free rides, I thought it was theirs to give . I guess I should say I feel your lost, so what's another give away . To help out your pocket, would you like my OBC. With my generosity, I am willing to help out your pocket. It seems more to your pocket than mine. It's all about passing it on for some. If you want to know how to book most of your next cruise for free, can help too :D

 

Pauline.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app

Edited January 12, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Blk_Amish]

There are people who understand the goodwill gesture and those who believe nothing is for free, and they are paying or subsidizing. We won't change each others mind. We will never know if Princess stepped up as I hoped or stand ground as others wish.

 

PunkiC- I churn cards and it's deciding where to next. FREE tip -Barclays Arrive card, 40K miles after spending $1000 in 3 months. That's $400 toward travel;) Princess could get one of these cards, put a few bills on it, and before you know it, there will be enough $$$ to pass on without anyone feeling the pinch in their pocket. I need to apply for a job at Princess because I can create win-win situations:D

Edited January 12, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Cruisin' Chick]

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

 

Exactly. It's simple economics that whatever OBC or perks that Princess gives will come out of the consumers' pockets. I can see giving a nice perk to someone who travels quite a bit on Princess (and we don't know if if the person in question is elite with Princess or going on their first cruise). But the reason many of us who have posted on this thread keep saying this person doesn't deserve to be compensated on this issue (missing part of the cruise, having to spend extra money on flights,hotels, etc.) is exactly this: he/she was gambling on flying out the same day. Just look at all the cruisers who will take off an additional day from work or leave directly from work (I've done that for a vacation) to ensure that they get to the ship or train or plane on time.

 

Princess doesn't need to do anything for her, and IMO (and many others) should not do anything for her. Let her realized she messed up and do better planning. We're not talking about a first time cruiser who didn't know better.

[caribill]

I arrive on the day of departure. Am I wrong?

 

Unfortunately there is no answer to this that is correct 100% of the time.

 

When we fly overseas we always schedule to arrive a day befrore the cruise just in case something goes wrong. So far nothing has gone wrong.

 

When we leave out of FLL we have often flown in the same day and (so far) we have not had a problem.

 

But we live now in an area where snow and ice are rarely a problem. If we lived in snowland in winter, we would never chance a same day flight to a cruise.

 

But as a poster on another thread posted recently, they were flying on the day of the cruise from Canada to Chicago to FLL. For several days almost all flights in/out of Chicago were being cancelled due to weather. On the day of the cruise, there was no problem and the poster made the cruise with ease. However, those who had planned to fly in a day or two early missed the cruise because their flights had been cancelled and no seats were available on the day of the cruise when planes were able to fly again.

 

Booking with Princess EZair does not guarantee you will make your embarkation port on time, but does give you financial protection to reach the next possible port if you are unable to get to the embarkation port on time.

[Cruise_me_Crazy]

If they have cruised 54 times before, & never bought insurance, or paid for pre-night cruise accommodation, I suggest their significant savings will compensate them just fine! :)

 

I hope they are enjoying their cruise regardless of the outcome. :)

[donaldsc]

Not at all... if you purchase air through Princess, they will get you to the next port if you miss the ship. Not sure how it would have worked out here because of the PVSA...

 

This one was a trip to Hawaii so passports are not necessary.

 

However, if you are do a closed loop Caribbean cruise, you miss the boat and you do not have a passport - can they fly you to the next port? I do not know the answer to this question.

 

This may be yet another reason to get a passport.

 

DON

[PunkiC]

If they were flying from one U.S. island to another they would only need some sort of government issued ID, i.e. a driver's license.

 

I once arrived at the airport without my driver's license and they let me fly using my Costco card, which bore my picture, and my health insurance card, both to and back from my destination. Of course, if they have to disembark in Ensenada, which I sincerely hope they don't, they might have some issues as that crossing required either an enhanced driver's license, passport or passport card. If, BTW, you have a passport card, you don't have to wait in line but can just walk up to the front, stick your passport card in the machine and they wave you through. Very slick.

Edited January 12, 2014 by PunkiC

[TravelerThom]

This one was a trip to Hawaii so passports are not necessary. However, if you are do a closed loop Caribbean cruise, you miss the boat and you do not have a passport - can they fly you to the next port? I do not know the answer to this question. This may be yet another reason to get a passport.

I would be 99.9% sure that in the situation you describe, you will NOT be flying to a foreign destination. In 2013 the Carnival Dream aborted in Sint Maarten and the RCI Grandeur of the Seas aborted in the Bahamas; in both of those emergency situations Homeland Security (or whoever handles these things) made it relatively easy for the stranded passengers without passports to fly home. However a passenger who has missed the ship in say Miami is neither stranded nor an emergency (they probably think it is an emergency, most of the rest of us would not). Furthermore, if you picked the cruise up in say Sint Maatern to come back to Miami, YOU are not a closed-loop passenger (the cruise is closed-loop, you are not, to be honest I don’t know what the rules on that are) so you would probably have to have a passport for that reason.

 

Thom

[caribill]

Furthermore, if you picked the cruise up in say Sint Maatern to come back to Miami, YOU are not a closed-loop passenger (the cruise is closed-loop, you are not, to be honest I don’t know what the rules on that are) so you would probably have to have a passport for that reason.

 

If you had to fly to Saint Maarten to board the ship you would need a passport to get to Saint Maarten.

[cruzsnooze]

Sorry I did not post on princess board. This was not about princess in my mind it was more another reason to arrive early and buy insurance! They are not new to cruising. This was their 54th cruise! They fly the day of their cruise 99% of the time and never have bought insurance. I'm hoping she contacts me tomorrow with an update!

If this was their 54th cruise without insurance then they are ahead of the game. I never take insurance but I have medjet for emergency medical evacuation. Loosing a suitcase or a cruise fare after 54 cruises is nothing compared to the money they would have spent on insurance. 54 cruises times about $300 per cruise (which is a low number) would have been $16,200. Medjet for a family costs a few hundred dollar per year (NOT PER TRIP) and covers you if you traveling in the USA and are more then 150 miles from home. So I have daily coverage for 365 days.

I always fly into the city of debarkation a day in advance which is more relaxing and extends my trip an extra day instead of spending money to gamble against myself IE insurance.

Just another point of view and YMMV

Edited January 12, 2014 by cruzsnooze

[Blk_Amish]

If they are smart travelers I would guess a good percentage of those cruises were FREE or heavily discounted. I can't recall in the past 10 years where apart if not all of my vacations weren't comp. Now, I am terrible worried who subsidized them:D

 

For all who were affected by the tragedy, I hope you get a chance to see Hawaii they way you planned. It's truly and amazing state.

Edited January 12, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[mattswiss]

We always take insurance.

[karatemom2]

My DH, the Craps player, is quite familiar with the phrase "You roll the dice, you takes your chances...". Clearly this couple has rolled the dice many times and the odds have been in their favor. This time not so much. Eventually when you gamble, you are going to lose. That is the chance you take and just as the Casino is not responsible to reimburse you when you lose, neither is Princess responsible to compensate this couple.

 

I really can't muster much sympathy for this couple who are simply victims of their own poor planning, as compared to the other passengers on the two affected ships on the current Hawaii run that had their vacation derailed through no fault of their own. Those are the people who have my sympathy, as well as the crew and family of the deceased crew member.

 

As for as the couple who missed the ship, as ironic as it may be, they actually ended up logging a great deal more time in beautiful Hawaii then did their fellow cruise passengers. So perhaps they should consider themselves fortunate and be grateful for that opportunity instead of expecting Princess to compensate them in some way.

[Cruisin' Chick]

If they are smart travelers I would guess a good percentage of those cruises were FREE or heavily discounted. I can't recall in the past 10 years where apart if not all of my vacations weren't comp. Now, I am terrible worried who subsidized them:D

 

For all who were affected by the tragedy, I hope you get a chance to see Hawaii they way you planned. It's truly and amazing state.

 

In essence, rarely is anything really for free. For those using miles earned on credit cards, some may be paying a higher interest rate, unless they pay off the whole balance each month. Obviously some aren't; else, how would the company be able to offer perks. Many of the rewards involve stipulations (black out dates, etc.) that might mean compromising on one's part. Even my recently deceased cousin who was a media broker: he didn't get trips, restaurant dinners, etc., for free; thus, the word "broker." He traded a company's products or services for free air time (think game show prizes). And even when you get a "freebie," if it's over a certain amount, there are often requirements for reporting to the IRS (while the previous mayor of Los Angeles was still in office, he got into trouble for accepting gifts such as Lakers tickets and not reporting them to the IRS as gifts).

 

Even being a stockholder entails a purchase of the stock (if I look at my index funds I purchased as part of my IRA, I probably own a nail or maybe even a chair on one of the ships).

 

And even an outright gift usually entails an action on the donee's part (a celebrity at tonight's Golden Globe might have free use of a designer gown, but would be expected to wear it with style as part of the unwritten contract and be willing to drop the designer's name at the wave of a microphone).

 

My DH, the Craps player, is quite familiar with the phrase "You roll the dice, you takes your chances...". Clearly this couple has rolled the dice many times and the odds have been in their favor. This time not so much. Eventually when you gamble, you are going to lose. That is the chance you take and just as the Casino is not responsible to reimburse you when you lose, neither is Princess responsible to compensate this couple.

 

I really can't muster much sympathy for this couple who are simply victims of their own poor planning, as compared to the other passengers on the two affected ships on the current Hawaii run that had their vacation derailed through no fault of their own. Those are the people who have my sympathy, as well as the crew and family of the deceased crew member.

 

As for as the couple who missed the ship, as ironic as it may be, they actually ended up logging a great deal more time in beautiful Hawaii then did their fellow cruise passengers. So perhaps they should consider themselves fortunate and be grateful for that opportunity instead of expecting Princess to compensate them in some way.

 

That's why I was thinking of that classic scene from "Lost in America." After the character's wife loses all the family money in the casino, he pleads to the manager to refund his money, leading to this exchange (thanks to imdb):

David Howard: As the boldest experiment in advertising history, you give us our money back.

Desert Inn Casino Manager: I beg your pardon?

 

 

 

Of course, it doesn't work. I would find any argument in favor of compensating this couple along these lines. They willfully gambled on being able to fly from the Midwest to LA during the winter (and even LA can and does have storms at this time). If they had purchased the correct insurance, they could have recouped some of their money. But just like the casino in this movie, Princess is not culpable in any way, shape or manner for this couple's stupid decisions. I have to believe that just about any CCL stockholder would agree.

[Blk_Amish]

In essence' date=' rarely is anything really for free. For those using miles earned on credit cards, some may be paying a higher interest rate, unless they pay off the whole balance each month. Obviously some aren't; else, how would the company be able to offer perks. Many of the rewards involve stipulations (black out dates, etc.) that might mean compromising on one's part. Even my recently deceased cousin who was a media broker: he didn't get trips, restaurant dinners, etc., for free; thus, the word "broker." He traded a company's products or services for free air time (think game show prizes). And even when you get a "freebie," if it's over a certain amount, there are often requirements for reporting to the IRS (while the previous mayor of Los Angeles was still in office, he got into trouble for accepting gifts such as Lakers tickets and not reporting them to the IRS as gifts).[/color']

 

.

 

For the most part you are wrong but so be it. I used over $7,000 (Hawaii, Jamaica, Carnival cruise, trip to DC) in travel in 2013, with no block out date, some cards requiring a one time purchase ( a pack of gum), zero interest and and annual for the for the first year. In 2012 I used $5000 free toward travel ( Hawaii, Jamaica, Canada). This is not opinion stated as fact, no friend or cousin scenario but My actual travel experience, trips with pics. Next, I am flying from LAX/FLL for free, no restriction on date and time, 2 nights hotel for free, and a real check so far for $650 toward the cruise. I guess they do it the way way Princess did on the free cruise promo. For those who feel a pull on the pocket, there are way to get your fair share in the travel maze or more for me.

 

As for the OP, if she was a smart traveler several of those cruises should have been free or she needs to be my friend. I hope she enjoys the rest of the cruise regardless of the outcome. I hope to get the nasty taste out of so many passengers mouth, Princess step up to make possible the Complete Escape, promised but clearly not delivered.

 

I guess to understand churning you have to do it and then you know other than Salvavation travel can be free with no restriction:D

Edited January 12, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[spingal]

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

 

Well said!! We ALL pay if Princess starts doing this for everyone as an act of "goodwill". I am blown away that an experienced cruiser would decide to fly out of the northwest in winter the day of the cruise and NOT buy insurance!!!!!

 

Not something I would do.

[robtulipe]

We always have flown in early for our Hawaii cruises to ensure we are on the cruise and to avoid the PVSA problem with trying to catch up to the cruise. The fine is $300 per person if there isn't a really valid reason to have it waived.

Weather wasn't a great concern for the last one we did even though we were flying in from the north east as this was in mid November.

For that cruise it was cheaper to fly to San Diego the day before than the day of and we got a car/hotel package from a well known online booking site for $55 all taxes and fee included so in reality it didn't cost us extra to do this and we actually saved a bit by doing so. Granted it was just a 2* hotel but the reviews mostly were good, it was just for the one night and it was close by to the airport. In fact I was pleasantly surprised with the hotel. We have friends who live in Chula Vista or about 20 to 30 minutes from the port area that offered to pick us up and stay the night at their home the night prior to our cruise. We declined their kind offer as we were also spending 3 nights after our cruise with them and didn't want to put them through this hassle. Being on our own with a car also allowed us to do some shopping and to pick up our wine and other cruise supplies like soda for the five seadays to Hawaii. The morning of our cruise after a leisurely breakfast, we dropped off our luggage at the ship and returned the compact rental car and we were onboard for lunch.

It was a great start to our cruise vacation.;)

Edited January 12, 2014 by robtulipe

[Colo Cruiser]

Well said!! We ALL pay if Princess starts doing this for everyone as an act of "goodwill". I am blown away that an experienced cruiser would decide to fly out of the northwest in winter the day of the cruise and NOT buy insurance!!!!!

 

Not something I would do.

 

 

Yes! I agree. :)

[Cruisin' Chick]

Princess step up to make possible the Complete Escape, promised but clearly not delivered.

 

Again, this is the little nugget of info that many of us will disagree with you on. Princess promises to help you "escape completely," but the traveler has to get to the ship. It is not the fault of Princess that through poor planning on any traveler's part, that they fail to get to the ship on time. Here's an example: if someone gets to their embarkation city ahead of time, but then decides, hey, let's do an all-day tour. Surely, I can get to the port by 3pm for a 4pm sailing. And then gets caught in a traffic jam, or loses track of time. Doesn't get to the port on time. Is this person entitle to any compensation for missing their cruise or part of a cruise (if doing the fly-to-the-next-port hustle)? Nope. Being stupid isn't the same as say, if you have a family member who has unfortunately passed away or something on the level of tragedy.

 

It's not about goodwill. It's not about being nice. It's about not enabling stupid behavior.

[Blk_Amish]

Again' date=' this is the little nugget of info that many of us will disagree with you on. [/quote']

 

I would very much expect. Gladly no one here is the voice of Princess, or any other line. If so, I probably would NEVER book. I am very selective who I give my vacation dollars or should I say points to.:D I have no problem paying for others stupidity/bad judgement because I know others have paid for mine. It would be nice to know how these situations end, but that will never happen.

 

OP- if you lost the battle on this I promise I can help you recoup with points by churning. If you receive a token from Princess, know I will be extremely happy for you. We enjoyed Maui and therefore sad many weren't able to visit.

 

Pauline

Edited January 13, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[MauiLvrs]

However, if you are do a closed loop Caribbean cruise, you miss the boat and you do not have a passport - can they fly you to the next port? I do not know the answer to this question.

 

This may be yet another reason to get a passport.

DON

Of you you need to fly home from a foreign port...

Never underestimate the timing of an emergency...

[tiggerrr]

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

 

Except that economically that isn't true in a highly competitive environment, which the cruise industry is. The price of your cruise is mostly independent of the cost. In a competitive environment, the price is determined by what the market as a whole is willing to bear, not what the cost of the service is. If the market will pay $5000 for a cruise, then the cruise line will charge $5000, regardless of whether the cruise costs them $1000 or $4000.

 

If Princess offers people 'goodwill' compensation, as they might in this case, it will increase their costs, but in a highly competitive the environment they may be completely unable to increase the price to cover it because the market won't pay it. So, your price is complete unaffected by this decision. The group that the money actually comes out the pockets of is the shareholder.

 

In short, if Princess' costs go up because of goodwill gestures, your cruise price is likely unaffected because if they raise the price, you and the market won't pay it. And if they don't offer goodwill gestures at all, you won't benefit with reduced prices, because if you don't buy at the market price someone else will.

[caribill]

If you book a hotel room and guarantee arrival with your credit card, do you think you will get any sympathy (or "goodwill gesture") if you fail to show up?

 

Even if the reason is you were snowbound in another city?

[PunkiC]

If you book a hotel room and guarantee arrival with your credit card, do you think you will get any sympathy (or "goodwill gesture") if you fail to show up?

 

Even if the reason is you were snowbound in another city?

 

Yes! I have had numerous occasions where I encountered flight delays and was refunded the automatic "no show" charge on the room I had previously booked.

 

I can only remember one time when they gave me flack about it and that was when we arrived a day late to the Paris Hilton. I immediately called the Diamond Desk from our room, and pointed out that we had instead spent the night at the LAX Hilton because our flight was cancelled. They quickly arranged for a refund of the price of the first night at the Paris Hilton.

 

Maybe it is just because of our status, and the fact that we almost always stay at either a Hilton or Starwood property, but I have always found hotels to be extremely accommodating when my travel plans were interrupted en route.

[SadieN]

This one was a trip to Hawaii so passports are not necessary.

 

However, if you are do a closed loop Caribbean cruise, you miss the boat and you do not have a passport - can they fly you to the next port? I do not know the answer to this question.

 

This may be yet another reason to get a passport.

 

DON

 

No, you would need your passport to fly or even charter a boat.

 

And if the couple in question has to debark in Ensenada to avoid the PVSA penalty they had better have their passport. A BC/DL doesn't work anymore driving across the border.

http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html

Edited January 13, 2014 by SadieN